Not much difference! Boys move a little slower than girls when they're adults and will take a new partner more easily. Girls stay active and quick.
Are pups easier to tame?
Yes and no. If adults haven't been handled much, they might not be as tame as pups. But pups are delicate and quick, so older gerbils can be better for new owners or young children. And like humans, pups' personalities can change.
If I adopt an older-younger pair, won't I have problems when one passes away?
Gerbils are social animals and need friends, so no matter which two gerbils you adopt, you will have to face re-partnering eventually. Older males are especially easy to introduce. Older females 2+ years old can't have babies, so we usually put an older female with a male.
Can I donate to help with rescue?
Donations are gratefully accepted. The money donated at adoptions covers only about one half of our costs each year.
If you've been following their story, Percy (background) and Fern are a lovely, friendly male-female pair. We put them together not sure whether or not Fern was still of breeding age. Upon introduction, they made a convincing argument that they wanted to have a family and so we waited... right through Fern's estimated due date of Aug. 11. No babies. They did mate again, and so we will continue watching, with her new "expected" date Sept. 4. If Labor Day comes and goes with no labor, we'll declare Fern and Percy a non-breeding pair.
As before, an adventurous family who wouldn't mind a litter or not is welcome to take Fern and Percy home now. If any babies come, we'll take anyone you don't wish to keep, provided you keep one adult with however many same-sex babies.
Cadillac (left) and Corduroy have appeared on these pages before - a few weeks back, they were listed as available with their adorable old buddy Pancake, a retired classroom gerbil. Pancake has since gone on to Gerbil Heaven, and we waited a bit to decide what the boys really wanted. They have told me that they are as happy together as they could be and that they'd really just like a home of their own. These boys are still young, only a bit over four months old, very friendly and cute, and looking like they'll stay small and energetic. Great pets for a family who is ready for cute gerbils in interesting colors. Reserved for Tracy.
An alert rat rescuer in New York City spotted these handsome boys being 'freecycled' and realized it would probably not end well for them. So she took them in temporarily. Now the task is to find them a loving home in the New York area, or to get them a ride from New York to us in Boston or to one of our wonderful rescue friends in New England. Anyone taking a trip to or through NYC soon? Pass the word to your friends, too! Gerbils are easy riders, don't take up much room, travel well, and need only minimal attention. We've got pals all over, so contact us with details of your trip if you think you can help move these boys.
We are expecting - really! - two litters of pups ready around Oct. 4, from young, strong parents - hopefully no disappointments this time! Reserved: two pups for Mary, two female pups for Jeanette of Bedford, pair of females for Amy of Arlington, pair of females for Natasha and Gaga.
Rescue friends: a big rescue is looming on the horizon. If you can help with foster care, equipment or supplies, please watch here for additional details.
Out of State Rescues
New York City: lovely male pair, pictured above, needs a home in NYC or a ride to Boston or somewhere along the way.
BayBrook Rescue in Trumbull, CT (near Bridgeport) has a adorable clan of girls and one of boys.
Hi Tor Animal Shelter in Pomona, Rockland County, NY, has a number of nice gerbils up for adoption including some very young ones.
Declanning Survey
Ever had a pair or group of gerbils declan (or fight)? Please take our survey to help us better understand the causes of declanning!
Birthday Wishes
Happy birthday to Gwen on Aug. 31!
September birthdays: Lots of gerbils turn two this month - Wilbur on Sept. 1; Rapunzel on Sept. 14; Gabby and Vera, the Finnish blues, on Sept. 16; and Fern on Sept. 25. Happy birthday to all our September gerbils!
Our gerbils are
all healthy, friendly, hand-tame, and adorable. Recommended donation $20 per pair. We provide lifetime support and a "welcome back" policy. If one of your gerbils dies, we will help introduce the survivor to a new friend.
